Jennifer Lobaugh is a writer, musician, and student at the University of Oklahoma. Fluent in English, French, Russian, and Sarcasm, her poetry has recently been published in The Camel Saloon, Phantom Kangaroo, and Gutter Eloquence Magazine.
What Triumph I Can Muster
By Jennifer Lobaugh
when I finally break free from your
calamitous affection–
when the pools of caustic silence
swell too deep for me to stand–
I will move in wind chime whispers
toward the cruel myth of The Future
I will gravitate in honeysuckle and
everlasting despair
you’ll continue to grow (c)older
with your numbers and your hubris
you’ll be cringing at the sight of
me existing without you
and I won’t call it a victory
since this isn’t what I wanted
and I won’t be Alexander
gloating over conquered lands
but at least I’ll be unfettered
as I flounder in my waters
swimming broken but still buoyant
no millstone around my neck
Freedom.